Hope For The Lonely

“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” - Luke 2:20 The birth of Jesus was amazing news. But who were the first to hear this great news? Lowly, stinky shepherds. Because shepherds were out with their flocks for months at a time, they often did not take part in religious ceremonies or worship. They were regarded as lowlifes and liars. Legally, they couldn’t bear witness in court and were disqualified to serve as witnesses in a court of law. But who does God chose to announce the birth of his Son to first? Who does God use to proclaim to others the birth of the Savior first? Shepherds! As we mentioned last week, God often uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. This is how God works. God uses the foolish, weak, and lowly to complete big tasks on His behalf (1 Corinthians 1:27-28). Perhaps you feel unnoticed. Perhaps you feel small and powerless. Perhaps you feel like a lost sheep who has lost their way. If so, then you’re just the kind of person God wants! The good shepherd is calling your name. You are found and gathered in Christ and then called to scatter what you have heard and seen to the world.